VALDOSTA — A man and woman have been arrested after a fire broke out in a room of a Valdosta motel Wednesday, and police are saying the pair was attempting to make methamphetamine.

Edward Cowart, 33, and Angel Howell, 30, both residents of the extended stay motel, have been charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of items with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

At 12:02 p.m., the Valdosta Fire Department responded to the InTown Suites located at 1558 Baytree Road after receiving a fire call from Lowndes 911.

Firefighters on the scene located and extinguished a fire located in the bathroom of room 243. The fire was contained by the building’s sprinkler system, and no one was injured. Due to the suspicious nature of the fire, investigation of the incident was turned over to the Valdosta Police Department, according to VFD Captain James Clinkscales.

Cowart and Howell were reportedly in the room when the fire started. Cowart sustained some injury and reportedly fled the scene, but was later apprehended.

Howell was detained at the scene. She received minor injuries and was treated on scene, stated VPD.

Due to the suspicious nature of the fire, the motel was evacuated. The Lowndes/Valdosta Convention Center, the Wood Valley Community Center and the Courtyard by Marriott hotel provided shelter and refreshments to more than 30 evacuees.

Residents were allowed to return to the motel later Wednesday afternoon, with officials saying the damage was isolated to the one room.

The Lowndes County Narcotics Unit assisted the Valdosta Police Department with the removal and disposal of chemicals found in the room.